Workplace use of an adjustable keyboard: adjustment preferences and effect on wrist posture

Am Ind Hyg Assoc J. 1999 May-Jun;60(3):340-8. doi: 10.1080/00028899908984451.

Abstract

This study presents an evaluation of an adjustable keyboard based on subjective preference and wrist joint motion during typing. Thirty-five computer users used the adjustable split design keyboard for 7-14 days during their usual work and were instructed to adjust the keyboard to the opening angle they preferred. At the end of this period, three-dimensional motion analysis was performed to compare the distribution of wrist joint angles while subjects typed on a conventional keyboard and the adjustable keyboard adjusted to the subject's preferred angle. The mean preferred opening angle was 14 degrees +/- 10. The mean ulnar deviation of the subjects who selected the opening angles between 21 and 28 degrees (n = 12) decreased from 18 degrees +/- 5 on the flat to 14 degrees +/- 5 on the adjustable (p < 0.05), while those who selected 0 to 10 degrees (n = 6) and 11 to 20 degrees (n = 17) split angles showed no significant differences in ulnar deviation. Mean wrist extension on the adjustable keyboard was 17 degrees +/- 5 and was significantly less than the 24 degrees +/- 5 observed on the conventional keyboard and most likely due to the presence of palm support. On average, subjects reported that the adjustable keyboard was more comfortable (0.5 +/- 0.5) (worse = -1, same = 0, better, = 1) in comparison with the conventional keyboard.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Biomechanical Phenomena
  • Computer Peripherals*
  • Equipment Design
  • Ergonomics
  • Evaluation Studies as Topic
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Musculoskeletal Diseases / etiology
  • Musculoskeletal Diseases / prevention & control
  • Occupational Diseases / etiology
  • Occupational Diseases / prevention & control
  • Posture*
  • Range of Motion, Articular
  • Statistics, Nonparametric
  • Wrist / physiology*